Be a hero for patients: Donate blood during Red Cross Month

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The American Red Cross urges the public to join its lifesaving mission by giving blood this March in celebration of Red Cross Month. Donors of all blood types, especially type O, are urgently needed to help ensure blood is available for patients this spring.

Every day, thousands of patients depend on blood donations to help save their lives – patients like Heath Cornford who spent his first 217 days of life in the hospital. Born in February 2018 with an abnormal narrowing of the heart, Heath has undergone many complex surgeries – including a heart transplant – and required a number of blood transfusions.

“I can't tell you how thankful we are for the lifesaving donations that saved our son,” said his mom, Mylinda Cornford. “Blood is something you can donate for free. You can make an impact, save a life and give back to your community.”

Heath recently celebrated his second birthday and is a thriving, energetic toddler.

Heroes of all blood types, especially type O, are urgently needed to provide hope and help for patients across the country. Make an appointment now by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities March 1-15 include locations in Jonesboro, and Harrisburg 3/1: 9 a.m. – 3:45 p.m., Jonesboro Blood Donation Center, 1904-A Grant Street; 3/2: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Arkansas State University Armory, 1921 Aggie Road; 3/3: 11:15 a.m. -5:45 p.m., Jonesboro Blood Donation Center, 1904-A Grant Street; 3/3: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., Harrisburg High School, 501 South Street; 3/3: 11:45 a.m. – 5:15 p.m., Jonesboro Blood Donation Center, 1904-A Grant Street; 3/3: 3 p.m. – 7 p.m., Nice-Pak Products. Inc., 1 Nice-Pak Road; 3/4: 10:45 a.m. – 5:15 p.m., Jonesboro Blood Donation Center, 1904-A Grant Street; 3/4: 3 p.m. – 7 p.m., Nice-Pak Products. Inc., 1 Nice-Pak Road; 3/5: 10:45 a.m. -5:45 p.m., Jonesboro Blood Donation Center, 1904-A Grant Street; 3/7: 9:15 a.m.

– 3:45 p.m., Jonesboro Blood Donation Center, 1904-A Grant Street; 3/8: 9 a.m. – 3:45 p.m., Jonesboro Blood Donation Center, 1904-A Grant Street; 3/9: 11:15 a.m. – 5:45 p.m., Jonesboro Blood Donation Center, 1904-A Grant Street; 3/10: 11:45 a.m. -5:15 p.m., Jonesboro Blood Donation Center, 1904-A Grant Street 3/11: 10:45 a.m. – 5:15 p.m., Jonesboro Blood Donation Center, 1904-A Grant Street; 3/12: 10:45 a.m. – 5:45 p.m., Jonesboro Blood Donation Center, 1904-A Grant Street; 3/14: 9:15 a.m. – 3:45 p.m., Jonesboro Blood Donation Center, 1904-A Grant Street 3/15: 9 a.m. – 3:45 p.m., Jonesboro Blood Donation Center, 1904-A Grant Street.

How to donate blood:

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCross-Blood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver's license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using Rapid-Pass to complete their predonation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/Rapid-Pass or use the Blood Donor App.